By Kayla Turnbow, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne
PEARL HARBOR – A The Dalles, Oregon, native and 2015 Dalles High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS John Paul Jones.
Seaman Paul Clark is a fire controlman aboard the guided-missile destroyer operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
A Navy fire controlman is responsible for taking care of the computer that runs the weapons system aboard the ship.
“I was on track growing up, which taught me the importance to care about your professional look,” said Clark. “We always had to make sure our appearance was top notch. It is the same in the Navy. It is important to care how you look professionally.”
More than 300 sailors serve aboard the ship, and their jobs are highly specialized, requiring dedication and skill, according to Navy officials. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignment that keep the ship mission-ready at all times.
Fast, maneuverable, and technically advanced, destroyers provide credible combat power, at and from the sea.
"Our sailors in Pearl Harbor are doing an excellent job at warfighting and supporting the warfighter," said Cmdr. Hurd, chief staff officer, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. "Historically, Pearl Harbor is a symbolic base of sacrifice and resiliency. Today, on every Navy ship and shore facility's flag pole, the First Navy Jack, 'Don't Tread on Me,' flies reminding sailors to move forward and build on the history and legacy of this country and the U.S. Navy."
Navy guided-missile destroyers are multi-mission ships that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea, Navy officials explained. They are equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
Challenging living conditions build strong fellowship among the crew. The crew is motivated, and can quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work, watches and drills. Serving aboard a guided-missile destroyer instills accountability and toughness and fosters initiative and integrity.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Clark, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Clark is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My sister was in Navy,” said Clark. “It is nice to have something in common with my sister in that military aspect. It's nice to be able to carry on the tradition.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Clark and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means showing up on time, in the right uniform and being knowledgeable about your job,” added Clark. “If you don't know something, it is important to find out so you can finish the mission correctly.”
A Navy fire controlman is responsible for taking care of the computer that runs the weapons system aboard the ship.
“I was on track growing up, which taught me the importance to care about your professional look,” said Clark. “We always had to make sure our appearance was top notch. It is the same in the Navy. It is important to care how you look professionally.”
More than 300 sailors serve aboard the ship, and their jobs are highly specialized, requiring dedication and skill, according to Navy officials. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignment that keep the ship mission-ready at all times.
Fast, maneuverable, and technically advanced, destroyers provide credible combat power, at and from the sea.
"Our sailors in Pearl Harbor are doing an excellent job at warfighting and supporting the warfighter," said Cmdr. Hurd, chief staff officer, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. "Historically, Pearl Harbor is a symbolic base of sacrifice and resiliency. Today, on every Navy ship and shore facility's flag pole, the First Navy Jack, 'Don't Tread on Me,' flies reminding sailors to move forward and build on the history and legacy of this country and the U.S. Navy."
Navy guided-missile destroyers are multi-mission ships that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea, Navy officials explained. They are equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
Challenging living conditions build strong fellowship among the crew. The crew is motivated, and can quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work, watches and drills. Serving aboard a guided-missile destroyer instills accountability and toughness and fosters initiative and integrity.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Clark, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Clark is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My sister was in Navy,” said Clark. “It is nice to have something in common with my sister in that military aspect. It's nice to be able to carry on the tradition.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Clark and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means showing up on time, in the right uniform and being knowledgeable about your job,” added Clark. “If you don't know something, it is important to find out so you can finish the mission correctly.”